For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Chapter 3: Pages 50-56 and Ephesians 1

 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6

This morning, I continued John Piper's book Providence (purchased from Amazon Kindle Store) and started Part 2 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence", starting with Section 1 "The Ultimate Goal of Providence before Creation and in Creation" - essentially chapter three.  In these pages, Piper describes providence expressed before the foundation of the world and uses Ephesians 1:4-6 and 11-12 to illustrate God how this is expressed.  I previously posted on how providence is defined as serving for His glory - the "one great end" that distinguishes providence from fate. This morning we see Piper taking this further by stating that God's glory is incomplete without the praise of His glory.  Piper leans on C.S. Lewis, who writes that "[w]e delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is the appointed consummation." Further, Piper explains the "paradox" that exists by statng that "God is the one being in the universe for whom self-exaltation is a form of love.  For [H]e is the only being whose worth and beauty can satisfy the human soul fully and forever.  When God makes [H]is praise the goal of his providence, [H]e is pursuing our full and lasting pleasure.  That is love."

Comment and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who chose me before the creation of the world - knowing everything about me and my sin - thank You Jesus!  It is indescribable that You would love me as You do.  I am undeserving of course.  My sin, of worry, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.